Sadly, Jesus’ biographers knew there would be tragedies like Newtown. They knew there would be moments when we would feel that it would be better not to have lived than to live through the darkness of the present. They understood we would encounter unspeakable horrors when the only word we could speak is “Why!”
This, I believe, is why Matthew, Mark, Luke and John recorded only ten prayers that fell from Jesus’ lips. All ten of these prayers came after Jesus “set his face to go to Jerusalem” (Lk 9:51). All ten were uttered in the shadow of the cross. All ten came during the season of greatest pain in the life of Jesus.
Jesus’ biographers wanted us to know how Jesus prayed in the midst of injustice and violence and death–so that we might know how to pray.
So, what might Jesus pray today after the dreadful deaths of innocents in Newtown?
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken us?”
“Father, let this cup pass, let this cup pass, let this cup pass.”
“I thirst! (I hurt! I’m wounded! I’m ______________)”
“Father, into your hands I commit their spirits/ my fears/ my anguish.”
“Father, I thank you that you have heard me.”
Take time today to pray. Lament. Grieve. Mourn.
Lift your feelings, your friends and the families of Newton to the Father.
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